Lunch at the Restaurant Fournaise (The Rowers' Lunch) — Pierre-Auguste Renoir

ABOUT THIS WORK

This lively scene captures a moment of leisure at the Restaurant Fournaise, a popular spot on the Seine River. Two men, likely rowers, are depicted mid-conversation, enjoying a meal outdoors. The painting's brushwork is loose and vibrant, characteristic of the Impressionist style, with sunlight dappling through the leaves and illuminating the figures. Notice how the artist uses a bright palette to convey the warmth of the day and the relaxed atmosphere. The setting itself, the Maison Fournaise, was a favorite haunt for artists and Parisians seeking escape from the city, and this work transports us directly into that leisurely world. The painting was sold shortly after its creation and passed through several hands, including that of Theo van Gogh, before eventually coming to the Art Institute.

DETAILS

Artist: Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Date: 1875
Medium: Oil on canvas
Location: Art Institute of Chicago
Dimensions: 55 × 65.9 cm (21 5/8 × 25 15/16 in.); Framed: 80.4 × 91.2 × 11.2 cm (31 5/8 × 35 7/8 × 4 3/8 in.)
Collection: Painting and Sculpture of Europe
Culture: France
Credit line: Potter Palmer Collection

ART MOVEMENTS

Impressionism

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What to Notice

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Lunch at the Restaurant Fournaise (The Rowers' Lunch)

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01

The relaxed oarsman

On the right, a man in a pale blue shirt lounges back with a cigarette raised in his hand. His easy, slouched pose sets the mood of a lazy afternoon.

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02

Woman seen from behind

The woman in dark blue turns her back to us, so we look past her at the men. She acts as a doorway into the conversation.

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03

Rowers on the river

Through the trellis opening, a small boat with a rower and a long orange shell glide on sparkling water. The outside world of sport sits quietly behind the lunch.

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04

Table still life

Bottles, glasses and fruit on the white cloth are dabbed in quick touches of blue, green and gold. Light seems to flicker across the glass.

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05

Green trellis frame

The teal lattice and arch frame the river view like a window. Its crisscross lines tie the shaded terrace to the bright water beyond.

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THE ARTIST